Our Story
History of quality and tradition
In the heart of Borgo Pio, just a few steps away from the Vatican, you will find the Papalino restaurant, a corner of history and gastronomic tradition. Its foundation dates back to 1970, when Romolo Scialanga and his wife Teresa Salvi decided to take over an age-old coffee roastery with a billiard room. With dedication and passion, they transformed that historic establishment into a reference point for Roman cuisine.
The name Papalino is not a random choice. The proximity to the Vatican and the location in the Borgo neighborhood inspired the choice of a name that would recall the connection with the Holy See. The reference to Pope Linus, the first successor of Saint Peter as bishop of Rome, pays homage not only to the thousand-year history of the city, but also to its profound spirituality.
The history of Papalino is in fact intertwined with that of the neighbourhood: in the 1960s, Borgo Pio was a lively artisan centre, populated by families and historic shops. Romolo, drawing on his previous experiences, transformed the place, until then a diner and games room, into a restaurant where the tradition of Roman cuisine met innovation, always respecting the quality and authenticity of the ingredients. With dedication and passion, Papalino became a point of reference for residents and lovers of Roman cuisine.
Over the years, Papalino has evolved, expanding its services from breakfast to dinner, always maintaining the quality and authenticity of Italian cuisine. Among the most popular dishes is Amatriciana, prepared following the traditional recipe of the Scialanga family, which earned Romolo a certificate of merit from the city of Amatrice, in recognition of his mastery in preserving and promoting this iconic dish.
Today Mauro carries on the family legacy, continuing to offer traditional Roman and Italian dishes with the same love for the region and culture that have characterised his parents' work since the beginning.
Romolo and Teresa taught us that a meal is not just food, but also history, culture and conviviality. The Papalino restaurant continues to celebrate these traditions, welcoming new and loyal customers with the same passion as always.
